Suddenly a voice beside her broke in upon her musings.
"Good afternoon."
She turned quickly. A tall, broad-shouldered man in clerical attire stood before her. She encountered a pair of keen, kindly eyes looking at her between shaggy brows.
"I must introduce myself. I am the new parson. I was only inducted a few weeks ago and I heard Mr. Holme was here for a day or two, so came to pay my respects to him. He is my nearest neighbour."
The hearty, pleasant voice brought relief to Anstice's heart. Here was some one who would be friendly, possibly a real help-giver.
She shook hands with him.
"My husband is out visiting his tenants. I am so glad to see you. I am enjoying this most exquisite view."
"May I do the same, and sit down beside you? I have come from a busy life in Liverpool, so you can imagine what all this means to me."
"It must be a great contrast," said Anstice.
"Yes, I feel I am too young to be relegated into such a retreat, but heart trouble has enforced rest, and I'm only a crock at present."